SEVEN years of planning have come to fruition for those working hard to make the sailing events a success.

And everyone is now looking forward to he games being a great success.

Di Ludlow, who along with her late husband Bill helped develop the sailing academy, said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful. I just wish my husband was here to see it all.

“A lot of work has gone in to getting the town and the sailing academy ready. We have the best conditions for dinghy sailing in the world. Providing the weather is kind,it will be perfect.

“The town is looking wonderful. It’s a wonderful thing for Weymouth. I hope people will be more positive.”

Lord Knight of Weymouth said: “I am hugely excited. I was lucky enough to go to one of the rehearsals for the Olympic opening ceremony in London. But it will be great to get down to the beach this weekend and see things happen.

“The other thing to say is congratulations to the people that have put in a huge amount of effort.

“They have been working on this for more than six years.”

Weymouth and Portland spokesman for tourism and culture Coun Ian Bruce said: “We are thrilled that the Olympic Games are finally here and that we can mark the occasion in style, celebrating together on our fantastic sandy beach, looking out across the waters that will host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions.”

Chamber of Commerce president Anna Maria Geare said: “The town is looking fantastic. The amount of people and day trippers coming in is amazing. The traders are ready and waiting to welcome tourists to our town.”

Gary Hayward, 43 who owns a cafe on Weymouth beach, said: “The excitement of the whole thing is starting to come to the front with the opening ceremony.”

“There’s a real buzz around the town and an exciting prospect for the next two weeks.”

“Hopefully it will bring people closer together and make a friendly atmosphere in Weymouth.”

Laura Blues, 17. who works at the cafe on Weymouth beach, said:“It’s a great opportunity and fun to see.”

And Sebastian Webster, 16, added: “All the entertainment was really good. I’ve got work out of it. It has provided quite a bit of employment.”

Emma Gibbs, 17, who works at Seacroft Takeaway said: “The Olympics is good. It helps bring in money. It’s a good thing, it will make more people come to the town here. Some people don’t know what it’s like then if they see it, on TV or by visiting they should bring more people to the town.”

Colleague Jack Jenkins, 17 added: “It’s going to bring business into the town which is needed in this economy. It’s going to be exciting and different. It puts Weymouth and Portland on the map well and truly. It’s only going to be a good thing for the town.”

Sixty-six-year-old Valerie Richards said: “I’m looking forward to it but I know many people aren’t excited really.”

“Personally I’m looking forward to it. The opening ceremony will probably amaze people.”

Claire Wigley, 38 from Portland works at The Bag Shop. She said: “It’s harder to get on with your everyday life while this is going on. Although I did get butterflies when I came to work this morning on the bus and I could see into the Olympic camp. I was on a double-decker bus and could see right in.”

Roberta Brett, owns the donut kiosk by Weymouth beach, and she said: “It’s fantastic, well it’s a one off thing for the town. The weather is helping us and getting people all in the right mood.”

Alan Freemantle, 51, of Jue’s of the Esplanade, said:“It’s beginning to get a bit more of a vibe now. Hopefully the weather holds out and there will be a really good buzz about it. It’s actually here now!”

Julie Freemantle, 49, of Jue’s shop, said: “There’s a nice atmosphere, more positive, now it’s actually here let’s get on with it and just enjoy it.”